SCORE BOARD

TORONTO, ON - The Canadian Hockey Association announced Wednesday the management and coaching staff for the Canadian Men's Olympic hockey team that will compete at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

The organizational structure for Canada's Men's Olympic team for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games is as follows:

Bob Nicholson, President, Canadian Hockey Association

Wayne Gretzky, Executive Director, Canada Olympic Hockey 2002

Kevin Lowe, Assistant director, Canada Olympic Hockey 2002

Pat Quinn, Head Coach

Wayne Fleming, Associate Coach

Ken Hitchcock, Associate Coach

Jacques Martin, Associate Coach

Denis Hainault, Team Leader

Brad Pascall, Director, Communications/Media Relations

Bill Tuele, Manager, Media Relations

Andre Brin, Coordinator, Media Relations

"On behalf of the over 630,000 players, coaches, officials and volunteers of the Canadian Hockey Association, we are proud to name these quality Canadians that will lead our Men's Olympic team in 2002," said Wayne Russell, Chair of the Board, Canadian Hockey Association.

CHA President Bob Nicholson will head the delegation for Canada's Olympic Men's and Women's teams. Nicholson has been at the helm of Canada's International success in the 1990's, winning 17medals including 12 gold. The medals were won by the World Men's, Women's, World Juniors and Olympic Winter Games teams since his involvement began in 1992. Nicholson will oversee all operations of the Men's and Women's teams for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

"The Canadian Hockey Association is extremely excited to announce the coaching and management staff for the Men's Hockey Team for 2002 Olympic Winter Games," said Bob Nicholson. " Wayne Gretzky is the ultimate Canadian and the ideal person to lead the Canadian Men's team. Wayne will oversee all hockey operations for Canada's Men's team, and will also consult with the coaching staff and players on our women's team in preparation for Salt Lake City."

Wayne Gretzky, who retired from playing hockey in April, 2000, will assume the title of Executive Director for Canada's Men's Olympic hockey team for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games. Gretzky will oversee all hockey operations, and will have the final decision on all personnel and player selections.

"I am extremely honoured to be a part of Canada's Olympic Hockey teams for the 2002 Winter Olympics," said Gretzky. "My experience in Nagano in 1998 was exceptional and truly a highlight for me in my professional career. Any time I have represented my country in the past, whether it was at the World Junior Championship or in Canada Cups, it has been a thrill for me to represent Canada Internationally. I am extremely excited to be working closely with the quality staff and people we have named today, and look forward to the planning for Salt Lake City over the next 15 months."

Kevin Lowe will assist Gretzky with the management of the Men's Olympic team for the 2002 Olympic Winter games. Lowe, currently the General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers, will be Assistant Director and will assist with input on player selection, and will work with the Team Leader on logistics for the players.

Pat Quinn was named Head Coach of Canada's Men's Olympic Team. Quinn, General Manager and Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, will work with Gretzky, Lowe, and the Olympic coaching staff to select the roster that will compete for Canada. Quinn will oversee the coaching staff and coaching preparation leading to Salt Lake City.

Wayne Fleming, Ken Hitchcock of the Dallas Stars and Jacques Martin of the Ottawa Senators will act as associate coaches for Canada's Men's Olympic team. Fleming is currently the Head Coach of Canada's National Men's team with the CHA and former Assistant Coach with the New York Islanders and Phoenix Coyotes. They will all work closely with Quinn and the management staff in preparation for Salt Lake City, and the naming and selection of players.

"Being named Head Coach of Canada's Men's Olympic Team is truly an honour and a privilege," said Quinn." I am proud to represent Canada on the International stage, and I am thrilled to be named the head coach for Team Canada in 2002."

In naming the roster Canada's Men's Hockey Team for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the CHA must name a minimum of 8 players, to a maximum of 12 players, on or before Sunday, March 25, 2001 (two weeks remaining in the NHL regular season).

The remaining roster, to a maximum of 22 players, must be named on or before December 22, 2001.

The 2002 Winter Olympic Games will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA from February 8-24, 2002.